Global Scans · France · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Discontent with political elites and country performance is driving the discourse and demand for action from the French public. With Presidential elections due in May 2017 it remains to be seen whether another political earthquake may happen in one of the EU's founding countries.

• [New] Survivability and effectiveness now depend on the speed of deployment, resistance to drones, and the ability to deliver firepower in conditions of constant air threat - noted representatives of the French army. UNN
• [New] French military pilots could soon fly deeper into low-visibility missions with Thales' new TopOwl DD helmet, which brings a digital display directly into combat operations. The Defense Post
• [New] According to a survey of more than 500 global institutional investors by Natixis Investment Managers, the asset management arm of the French bank, 74% predict markets will undergo a correction in 2026, with the risks of a geopolitical shock and a tech bubble being the top two concerns. KrASIA
• [New] IRCC has set a rising admissions share for French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec, increasing from 9% in 2026, to 9.5% in 2027 and 10.5% in 2028. Ackah Business Immigration Law: Award Winning Canada La
• [New] The first of 42 Rafale fighter jets ordered from France's Dassault as part of an $8 billion deal will start arriving in Indonesia in 2026. The Diplomat
• [New] More than 22 million people, including 5.4 million children, could die from preventable causes by 2030 due to cuts in international aid by the United States, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Focus 2030
• [New] Grain export terminal operator Senalia expects its volumes in 2025/26 to double from last season after a rebound in French harvest production and amid brisk demand for barley. ADM Investor Services
• [New] The UK and France have confirmed readiness to deploy forces to Ukraine once a ceasefire is secured, signalling that post-war security will rely on permanent military frameworks rather than temporary guarantees. DIY Investor
• [New] Soon, France will officially shut down its 2G and 3G networks, marking the end of an era. Sortiraparis
• [New] France's public debt is projected to reach 120% of GDP by 2027, with rising borrowing costs (3.53% for 10-year bonds) threatening fiscal sustainability. Ainvest
• [New] ECB's TPI faces strain as France's debt crisis risks contagion across Southern Europe, with Italy's 138% debt-to-GDP ratio amplifying systemic vulnerabilities. Ainvest
• [New] In 2026, France is taking on the G7 Presidency, with a number of priorities - addressing global imbalances but also delivering practical progress on six financial stability items: cross-border payments, NBFI, cybersecurity, AI, quantum technology and climate-related risks. Banque de France
• [New] The French economy will grow by 0.9% y/y in 2026 (after 0.7% y/y in 2025) amid political and fiscal challenges. GMK.CENTER
• [New] A more realistic approach might be to encourage exploratory dialogs between China, France, and the UK. Modern Diplomacy
• [New] In short, France and the UK could play a bridging role by engaging China directly on nuclear issues while also providing the U.S. with indirect assurances and insights that would help unlock future U.S.-China strategic dialog. Modern Diplomacy
• [New] France's leadership and the EU's evolving taxonomy could reshape international perceptions of nuclear energy's role in sustainability. FTI Strategic Communications
• [New] While possible, hiring Smart City Planners as independent contractors in France carries significant misclassification risks. Asanify
• [New] The French leader insisted that global governance was key at a time when every day people wonder whether Greenland is going to be invaded and whether Canada will face the threat of becoming the 51st state. Space War
• Strategic leaders meet here to align on AI ethics, safety protocols, and Verified Human labeling standards, which will become a major competitive differentiator for brands in late 2026. / France Peter Fisk
• Belgium and Romania too are introducing voluntary military service, while in the summer of 2026 France will bring in its own form of paid voluntary military training lasting ten months, aimed at 18 - to 19-year-olds. CIDOB

Last updated: 21 January 2026